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The Types of Angels in the Bible – Viral Believer
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The Types of Angels in the Bible

Introduction

As Christians, we believe that angels are powerful spiritual beings created by God to serve as messengers, protectors, and guides. The Bible mentions different types of angels, each with a unique role and purpose.

Understanding these types of angels and their significance can deepen our understanding of God’s plan and His protection over us.

In this blog post, we will explore the different types of angels mentioned in the Bible, including the archangels, seraphim, cherubim, heavenly host, Angel of the Lord, and fallen angels.

Each type of angel plays a unique role in carrying out God’s will, and by understanding their roles, we can gain a deeper appreciation for God’s power and love.

Whether you have a deep fascination with angels or are simply curious about the different types of angels mentioned in the Bible, this blog post is for you. Let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of angels in the Bible.

angels in the Bible

Introduction to Angels in the Bible

The Bible mentions angels from the beginning to the end. In the book of Genesis, we see the first mention of angels when they guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve are expelled.

In the book of Revelation, we see angels announcing judgment and delivering messages from God. In between, we see angels appearing to prophets, performing miracles, and protecting God’s people.

The word “angel” comes from the Greek word “angelos,” which means “messenger.” Angels are beings that have been created by God to carry out His will.

They are not divine beings but are created beings who serve God. Angels are spiritual beings and do not have physical bodies like humans, but they can take on human form when necessary.

Angels are mentioned over 300 times in the Bible, and their role varies depending on the context. Some angels are mentioned by name, while others are referred to by their function. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of angels mentioned in the Bible.

The Archangels

The archangels are the highest-ranking angels in the Bible. The word “archangel” means “chief angel,” and there are only two angels mentioned by name in the Bible, Michael and Gabriel.

Michael is referred to as the “archangel” in Jude 1:9 and is mentioned in the book of Daniel as the protector of Israel. He is also mentioned in the book of Revelation, where he leads the armies of heaven in the final battle against Satan.

Gabriel is mentioned in the book of Daniel and the Gospel of Luke. He is known for delivering important messages from God, including the announcement of the birth of Jesus to Mary.

While Michael and Gabriel are the only two angels specifically referred to as archangels in the Bible, some scholars believe that there may be other archangels mentioned in scripture. The book of Enoch, which is not part of the biblical canon, mentions three other archangels, Raphael, Uriel, and Raguel.

The Seraphim

The seraphim are a type of angel mentioned in the book of Isaiah. They are described as having six wings and are said to fly around the throne of God, constantly praising Him.

Isaiah 6:2-3 says, “Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!'”

The seraphim are unique in that they are the only type of angel specifically mentioned as being in God’s presence constantly, praising Him.

The Cherubim

The cherubim are another type of angel mentioned in the Bible. They are described as having four faces, the face of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. They are also said to have four wings and the feet of a calf.

Cherubim are mentioned throughout the Bible, but they are perhaps best known for their role in guarding the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3:24, after Adam and Eve are expelled from the garden, God places cherubim and a flaming sword at the entrance to prevent anyone from entering.

Cherubim are also mentioned in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant in the book of Exodus. God instructed Moses to make two golden cherubim and place them on top of the Ark.

The cherubim were to face each other and cover the Ark with their wings. This symbolized God’s presence and His covenant with His people.

The Heavenly Host

The term “heavenly host” refers to a large group of angels mentioned throughout the Bible. In Luke 2:13-14, a multitude of heavenly hosts appear to the shepherds announcing the birth of Jesus. In Psalm 103:20-21, we see the heavenly host as a group of angels who do God’s will and serve Him.

The heavenly host also includes the four living creatures mentioned in the book of Revelation. These creatures are described as having eyes all around and within, and they worship God day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8).

The Angel of the Lord

The Angel of the Lord is another type of angel mentioned in the Bible. This angel is unique in that it is not clear whether it is an actual angel or a manifestation of God Himself. The Angel of the Lord appears throughout the Old Testament, often delivering messages or performing miracles.

In Genesis 22, the Angel of the Lord appears to Abraham and stops him from sacrificing his son Isaac. In Judges 6, the Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon and commissions him to save Israel from the Midianites.

In some instances, the Angel of the Lord is identified as God Himself. In Exodus 3, the Angel of the Lord appears to Moses in a burning bush and identifies Himself as “I AM WHO I AM,” which is one of the names of God.

The Fallen Angels

While the majority of angels in the Bible are loyal to God and serve Him, there are also fallen angels who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven. These fallen angels are also known as demons or evil spirits.

The most well-known fallen angel is Satan, who was originally a high-ranking angel but rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. In Revelation 12:7-9, we see a description of Satan and his angels being cast out of heaven and thrown down to the earth.

Other fallen angels are mentioned in the book of Jude, where it says, “And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day” (Jude 1:6).

Conclusion

In conclusion, angels are an important part of the Bible, and the different types of angels mentioned in scripture play unique roles in carrying out God’s will. The archangels, seraphim, cherubim, heavenly host, Angel of the Lord, and fallen angels are just a few of the types of angels mentioned in the Bible.

While the study of angels can be fascinating, it is important to remember that our focus should always be on God and His plan for our lives. We should not seek to worship angels or become obsessed with them, but instead, we should focus on developing a relationship with God and serving Him.

As Christians, we can take comfort in knowing that God has created angels to watch over us and protect us. We should trust in God’s plan for our lives and know that He will always be with us, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.

Let us end with the words of Hebrews 1:14, which says, “Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” May we always remember the important role angels

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.